Superabsorbent Polymer based Biosensor Apparatus and Methods

A method of manufacturing an absorbent sensing material for interrogation of sample liquid to detect analyte, the absorbent sensing material comprising:

• a modified dry superabsorbent polymer configured to receive a sample liquid;
• the modified dry superabsorbent polymer comprising a dry superabsorbent polymer and at least one dry reaction component for detecting and for signalling the presence of analyte;
• wherein, upon insult of sample liquid, the modified dry superabsorbent polymer absorbs sample liquid, the at least one dry reaction component dissolves and, if analyte is present in the sample liquid, its presence is detected and signalled, the method comprising:
• a. preparing superabsorbent polymer particles;
• b. drying the superabsorbent polymer particles;
• c. in the absence of an analyte, introducing at least one wet reaction component for detecting and signalling the presence of the analyte, to the dry superabsorbent polymer particles;
• d. drying the modified superabsorbent polymer particles to form modified dry superabsorbent polymer particles pre-loaded with the at least one dry reaction component for detecting and signalling the presence of an analyte.

A process for detecting analyte in a fluid comprising:

• a) providing absorbent sensing material according for interrogation of sample liquid to detect analyte, the absorbent sensing material comprising:
• a modified dry superabsorbent polymer (SAP) configured to receive a sample liquid;
• the modified dry superabsorbent polymer comprising a dry superabsorbent polymer and at least one dry reaction component for detecting and for signalling the presence of analyte;
• wherein, upon insult of sample liquid, the modified dry superabsorbent polymer absorbs sample liquid, the at least one dry reaction component dissolves and, if analyte is present in the sample liquid, its presence is detected and signalled;
• b) insulting the absorbent sensing material comprising modified dry superabsorbent polymer, with sample liquid
• c) optionally, re-insulting the absorbent sensing material with sample liquid;
• d) at least partially rehydrating the modified dry superabsorbent polymer;
• e) at least partially rehydrating the at least one reaction component to detect and signal the presence and/or concentration of analyte in the sample liquid;
• f) detecting and signalling the presence of analyte in the sample liquid.